Entrance into Monterey

Date

Artist

Dimensions

Accession Number

2004.002.000

Credit Line

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

Object Details

Acquired in 1878 to complement Discovery of the Hudson River, this historic landscape represents exploration of the Pacific coast, showing a Spanish expedition conducting a Catholic Mass on the shore of a luminous Monterey Bay. A grazing herd of domestic animals in the foreground symbolizes the natural bounty to be found in the West. Along with its pendant piece, Entrance into Monterey hung in the House Chamber until 1901, after which both were moved to the Member’s private staircases beside the Speaker’s Lobby.